Cover for a cervical collar or cervical system

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a cover ( 1 ) for a cervical collar, said cover ( 1 ) comprising a tubular pouch comprising two openings ( 2   l a,   2   b ) for inserting the cervical collar ( 3 ) the tubular pouch ( 2 ) being designed so as to entirely cover the cervical collar ( 3 ) when the cervical collar ( 3 ) is inserted in the tubular pouch ( 2 ).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of medical devices.More specifically, the present invention relates to a device intended tocover a cervical Collar

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The opportunities of trauma of the human spine are frequent:

Accidents of the public road, sport accidents, yard, Even drops at home.The onset of pain and/or the sensation of blocking of the neck can alsooriginate a bad posture on an extended period, but it may also berelated to the genetic heritage of each.

The cervical collars are used for the immobilization of the cervicalspine, in a goal of consolidation and analgesic. Currently there areseveral types of cervical collars that could be classified in twocategories. The flexible clamps and/or semi-rigid (C1 and C2) and thedrives and/or rigid (C3, C4).

The cervical flexible collar or semi rigid, of C1 and C2 type aregenerally made from a strip of foam (or other flexible material) coveredwith a “Jersey” or in general of a cotton tube, wool or synthetic A.Each end is asked a fixation Auto-hanging (type “Velcro”) allowing asmall range of adjustment to adapt to the different morphologies ofusers.

The US patent application 2006/253055 A1 divulge a cover for a cervicalcollar that is decorative, comfortable, washable and removable thateliminates the unsightly appearance of cervical collars, the problem ofsoiled cervical collars and the discomfort associated with the wearingof said cervical collars.

The FR patent application 2 763 503 A1 divulge a cervical collarcomprising of a semi-rigid element and of the means of maintaining thesemi-rigid element in the form of a tube around the neck of anindividual. The means of maintenance including a scarf covering at leastan external surface of the semi-rigid element to form an exterior sidingof the latter once around the neck, this scarf with a first and a secondfree ends that extend beyond the element semi rigid intended to beforged to ensure the maintenance of the element semi rigid.

The U.S. patent application Ser. No. 3,810,466 A divulge a cervicalcollar enclosed in a normally closed tubular cover that encases thecollar along its length while leaving the ends of the collar exposed sothat the collar ends can be attached to each other. The cover is formedof one-way stretch material that is stretchable transversely of thelength of the cover and the collar.

The U.S. patent application Ser. No. 6,056,711 A divulge A fullyadjustable cervical collar can be adjusted not only in overall lengthbut also in height. The height of the collar is adjusted by releasablecompressing the core material of collar.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The exciting cervical clamps usually give satisfaction in their functionof maintenance of the cervical vertebrae. However, they sometimes offeran insufficient comfort for the patient.

The applicant has realized that this technique of closing Velcro has adisadvantage of pinching the long hair even once closed. Sometimes ithappens that the Velcro goes up to wrest the hair covering the neckwhile they are positioned above the system of strap.

In addition, the applicant has realized that this system of closure ofthe cervical collar creates pronounced wear collars of shirts when theuser of the cervical collar wears a shirt. The friction of the rigidwall rough and Velcro explain this wear to the contact of the rearcollar and inside of the liner.

Finally, the applicant has realized that this system of closingself-gripping weakens and may prove to be faulty.

As well, the invention provides a cover for cervical collar, the saidcladding comprising a tubular sleeve comprising two openings adapted toinsert the cervical collar, the tubular sleeve being configured to coverfully the cervical collar when this last is inserted in the tubularsleeve.

In some modes of achievement, the dimensions of the tubular sleeve areconfigured to leave an excess of sufficient material to adapt locally adimension of the cervical collar, when the collar is inserted in thetubular sleeve.

In other modes of achievement, the dimensions of the tubular sleeve areconfigured to enable forming a cushion in order to locally adapt adimension of the cervical collar, when the cervical collar is insertedin the tubular sleeve.

In some modes of achievement, the tubular sleeve handheld includes afabric chosen from among: cotton, cashmere, modal; silk but notexclusively.

In some modes of achievement, the tubular sleeve handheld includes afabric selected containing active principles such as the Aloe Vera,Jojoba, Vitamin E.

In some modes of achievement, portions of additional fabric extend fromthe two openings so as to have a scarf shape.

In some modes of realization, at least one f the two openings is definedas a hem fitted with a rubber band.

In some modes of achievement, the cover is suitable for cervical collarsof C1 type or C2.

In another aspect, invention provides a cervical system comprising acervical collar of C1 type or C2, and a cover of cervical collar aspreviously described.

The invention provides a device of cover for cervical collar intended tocover a collar (also called neck brace or cervical collar) allowing tosolve at least partially the disadvantages of the system of attachesself-gripping (Velcro's type) commonly provided on cervical collars oftype C1 and C2.

The cervical collars of C1 type and C2 available on the market areclassified by size (S, M, L, and XL) or sometimes by number (1, 2, 3,and 4). These various rankings of size are recommended to the bearer ofthe cervical collar according to the dimensions (size and height) of itsneck.

Cervical collars of C1 type and C2 have in general a length between 32cm (for smaller collars) and 55 cm (for larger collars).

Cervical collars C1 and C2 have in general a height between 6 cm and 12cm

The length and height of a cervical collar are following the definitions(length) and H (height) shown on FIG. 1. The length corresponds to thelength of the collar unfolded.

In some modes of achievement, the device of a cover for cervical collarincludes a soft technical fabric containing active principles andresponse to problems of irritation of skin (neck, neck and/or chinconsecutive) when wearing a cervical collar.

The cover for cervical collar can also be used without the cervicalcollar in the form of a headscarf or scarf providing the same softnessand the same care's skin moisturizers while maintaining the advantage oftechnologies of the fabric and its active principles.

The device cover for cervical collar can understand of the openings atthe rear of the cover for cervical collar. The openings allow theinsertion of a cervical collar of C1 type and/or C2 in the cover forcervical collar through openings at the rear of the cover for cervicalcollar.

The user attaches his cervical collar around the neck and covers therear part of the cervical collar containing its system of attaches, byadjusting the openings in order to fully take the cervical collar. It isunderstood that the rear part of the cervical collar and of the cover tocervical collar is understood as the part intended to be raised on theside of the neck of the user. The openings can be arranged in a liningof the cover for cervical collar.

This allow inserting the cervical collar easily inside the cover forcervical collar and then putting on his neck to use. Once the cervicalcollar is closed and attached to the neck of the user, the user has onlyto pull on both ends of the cover for cervical collar in order to coverthe inner rear part in contact with the skin, and external back of thecervical collar in contact with the hair.

The Velcro of closure of the cervical collar is completely covered bythe fabric which is formed the cover for the cervical collar; long hairhave no more contact with the Velcro of closures; the collar of theshirts is no longer in contact with the Velcro of closure. In addition,the cover for cervical collar strengthens the mounting of the cervicalcollar.

The coating for cervical collar covers may include noble materials,natural (cotton Cashmere, or silk, but not exclusively) soft andsilky-containing active principles. The cover for cervical collarimproves the system of attaches self-gripping (type Velcro) ofcommercial classic cervical collars and relieves the aggressions ofconsecutive skin at the port of the cervical collar.

The coating for cervical collar can cover the system of Velcro fasteneronce it is attached and closed. In some modes of achievement, thecoating for cervical collar covers fully the cervical collar and itssystem of fixing.

The cervical collars existing on the market are generally made with afoam shell coated with a fabric in Jersey pasted on the said hull. Thistype of device involves many disadvantages for the bearer of thecervical collar.

On the one hand, the Jersey is irritant, particularly when it is wornduring a long time. This irritation is even more found in humanscarrying of cercival collar than women. In effect, the frequency ofshavings of hair of the beard in man is much more spaced in time. Thisis explained that the carrying of cervical collar suffers of a pain whenit positioned his head in hyper-rear extension and/or can hardly carryout a rotation of his head to move the shaver.

As well, the beard hairs are found in permanent contact with the jerseyof the cervical collar that generates unpleasant friction and generatesirritation of skin (Ingrown Hairs . . . ). In the same way the skin ofthe neck that has become more sensitive after shaving the hair of theBeard will find itself between shocked with the friction of the jerseyof the cervical collar. As to the women with sensitive skins the rubbingof the jersey of the cervical collar with the finesse of their epidermisend on an extended period by having also irritation of skin (red plate .. . ).

Favorably, in some modes of achievement, the cover for cervical collaris manufactured with noble fabrics and natural (cotton, cashmere; silk .. . ) offering one of the largest sweets to touch on the market. Thefabric is soft, silky and/or light. The fabric may contain activeprinciples such as Aloe Vera and/or other solution (jojoba, vitamin Ebut not exclusively) in the form of micro capsule and/or in the form offinishing in the bath.

The selection of noble materials natural and/or industry such as thecotton mixed with cashmere, and/or to modal mixed with silk, isenvisaged for example but not exclusively.

The soft fabric has an important role. In effect because it ispositioned above the fabric jersey (less good quality) of the cervicalcollar, the user will appreciate the comfort of the softness of thecover for cervical collar. This will considerably reduce the aggressionsof the skin of the neck, neck and chin caused by the rubbing of the portof the collar.

The second advantage of the selection of soft fabric coupled with activeprinciples such as the Aloe Vera (but not exclusively) content in thefabric, allows making a soothing, nourishing and repairer to the skinduring the port of the cervical collar with the object of the invention,the cover for cervical collar.

The active principles contained in the fabric are released to thefriction of the fabric against the skin. The user of the cover forcervical collar has therefore many active principles of when he bearshis collar with the object of the invention, the cover for cervicalcollar.

In the case of cervical collars that are intended to be worn during arelatively long time, the notion of comfort is also an essential aspect.

Advantageously, beyond soft materials and providing a care of skin, thecover for cervical collar has a set an excess of material sufficient toadapt locally a dimension of the cervical collar and enable forming acushion between the cervical collar and the chin neck of the user.

In effect, the quantity of fabric allows the user to create a sub mellowlayer of tissue under his chin by overlaying the fabric according to hisfelt.

In a manner that is particularly advantageous, the device of a cover forcervical collar also provides an object allowing hiding visually theaustere effect and disabling of the cervical collar.

Several styles of reasons can be proposed in order to make it moreconvenient and discreet the cervical collars.

This allows you to dress the cervical collar in order to be consideredas a clothing accessory in a whole without altering the effectiveness ororthopedic in complicate its realization.

This cover for the cervical collar gives the cervical collar a smartdress character and having active principles allowing him to melt intothe garment. For example without that it is restrictive, the cover forcervical collar may have the appearance of a headscarf, scarf or tubeway.

The comfort, care protector and repairer as well that the softness andthe beauty of the product will encourage the bearers of cervical collarto go until the end of treatment while returning to self-confidence.

The cervical collar existing clamps usually give satisfaction in theirfunction of maintenance of the cervical vertebrae. However, sometimesthey offer an insufficient comfort for the patient. In particular, theknown cervical collars, may induce perspiration of the patient andgenerally do not offer the possibility of preventing this sweating or toevacuate.

As well, the cervical collar also presents the disadvantage to hold hotto the neck that may cause discomfort for the patient in particular insummer period.

This sweating absorbed by the cervical collar as well as traces ofmakeup and or dirt cause a problem of hygiene in the daily use of theport of the cervical collar.

Advantageously the cover for cervical collar can be washed in machineand/or replaced to respond to the constraints of hygiene. It can also becombined with the antibacterial technology and/or anti odor.

The fabric of the cover for cervical collar can also provide theproperties of thermoregulation, for example via the patented technologyHEID & HEIQTM. By thermoregulation, it intends at a time, a fabric thathampers the leakage of heat and a fabric that hinders the entry of thecold.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1, described before, illustrates a length and width of a cervicalcollar.

FIG. 2, is a perspective view of the cover for cervical collar that flataccording to some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3, is a perspective view of the cover for cervical collar that flataccording to some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4, is a perspective view of the cover for cervical collar that flataccording to some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5, is a view in perspective in the closed position of the cover forcervical collar according to some embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 illustrates a length and width of the cervical collar.

FIG. 2 present a system according to one of the modes of realization ofthe present invention. It is the rear view of the object of theinvention, the cover for cervical collar intended to be turned towardthe neck of a user. The cover for cervical collar is suitable forcervical collars type C1 or C2 (3).

The cover for cervical collar (1) including a tubular sleeve (2)comprising two openings adapted (2 a, 2 b) to insert the collar (3).

The tubular sleeve (2) being configured to fully cover the cervicalcollar when the cervical collar is inserted in the tubular sleeve (2).

The cover for cervical collar has a set of an excess of materialsufficient (a1; a2; a3; a4) to adapt locally a dimension of the cervicalcollar to create a kind of cushion between the cervical collar and thechin neck of the user. The quantity of material sufficient of fabric ofthe object of invention of the cover for cervical collar allows the userto create a sub mellow layer of tissue under his neck by overlaying thefabric according to his felt.

In some mode of achievements, the excess of material sufficient includesa portion of radial clearance (A1, A2) configured to extend according tothe length of the cervical collar and a portion of axial spaceconfigured to extend according to the length of the cervical collar,when the cervical collar is inserted in the tubular sleeve. The portionof the radial play is understood as the excess fabric in the height. Theportion of radial space (a1; A2) can have a size of the order of 12 to30% of the height of the cervical collar for the size of cervical collarthe largest found on the market (12 cm high) and up to 150% for themodel of cervical collar, the smallest found on the market with 6 cmhigh. More specifically the portion of radial clearance (A1, A2) isbetween 3 and 9 cm.

Portions of additional fabric (5 a; 5 b) to take the form of a headscarfor a scarf may extend the cover for cervical collar according to one ofthe modes of implementation.

FIG. 3 represents the external face of the object of the invention, thecover for cervical collar (1) according to one of the modes ofrealization.

FIG. 4 represents the object of the invention according to one of themodes of realization. It is a perspective view of the cover for cervicalcollar forming the tubular sleeve allowing the insertion of the collarby one of the two ends (6 a; 6 b) of the cover for cervical collar. Thetubular sleeve is configured to create an excess of material sufficientto adapt locally a dimension of the cervical collar, when the cervicalcollart is inserted in the tubular sleeve. The cover for cervical collaraccording to one of the modes of realization understand at least one ofthe two openings is defined as a hem fitted with a rubber band (7 a; 7b).

FIG. 5 is a view in perspective in the closed position of the cover forcervical collar (1) using according to some embodiments of theinvention. The cover for cervical collar (1) worn by the user view ofthe neck side full recovering the cervical collar, is constituted on itsends of hem fitted with a rubber band (7).

1. Cover (1) for cervical collar (3), said cover comprising a tubularsleeve (2) comprising two openings (2 a; 2 b) adapted to insert thecervical collar (3), the tubular sleeve (2) being configured to coverfully the cervical collar (3) when the cervical collar (3) is insertedin the tubular sleeve (2); the cover (1) being characterized in that:the dimensions of the tubular sleeve (2) are configured to create anexcess of material sufficient to adapt locally a dimension of thecervical collar (3), when the cervical collar (3) is inserted in thetubular sleeve (2); and the dimensions (length and width) are adapted toaccommodate a cervical collar (3) of C1 type and/or C2 type.
 2. Cover(1) according to claim 1, in which the dimensions of the tubular sleeve(2) are configured to enable forming a cushion (A1; A2) in order toadapt locally a dimension of the cervical collar (3), when the cervicalcollar (3) is inserted in the tubular sleeve.
 3. Cover (1) according toclaim 1, in which the tubular sleeve (2) includes a fabric chosen fromamong: cotton, cashmere, modal, silk.
 4. Cover (1) According to claim 1,in which the tubular sleeve (2) includes a fabric containing activeprinciples such as the Aloe Vera, Jojoba; Vitamin E.
 5. Cover (1)according to claim 1, in which portions of additional fabric (5 a; 5 b)extend from the two openings (2 a; 2 b) so as to have a scarf shape. 6.Cover (1) according to claim 1, in which at least one of the twoopenings (2 a; 2 b) is defined as a hem fitted with a rubber band. 7.Cervical system comprising a cervical collar (3) of type C1 or C2, and acover for cervical collar (1) according to of claims 1.